bill [dot] wilson [at] oregonag [dot] org (Bill Wilson)
Network Lead Pastor
Family Reunions
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 3:19pm
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
I love family reunions!
A few years ago my wife, Joy, and I were invited to a huge reunion for a large family in our church. This family had been in the church since the 1920s and had six generations represented that day. The reunion was held at the family farm which still had the original farm house that served as the family home for more than 70 years. Nearly 200 family members were present at this historic gathering. For some it was the first time to meet their relatives. I can assure you that no one went away disappointed that they came. In fact, they still talk about it to this day.
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Agenda
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:19am
I am a champion of agendas! I have found that well thought-out agendas are vital when conducting systematic and smooth-running meetings. An agenda is designed to promote a unified focus, give room for productive discussion and direct promising actions. Without an agenda, time is wasted, conversation becomes disjointed and focus gives way to frustration. Whether it is a leadership meeting, board meeting, annual meeting or even a Sunday service, an agenda will provide a compass that gives clear purpose and flow.
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Legacy
Sun, 03/04/2012 - 5:38pm
"We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done."
Psalm 78:4
What are you passing on to the next generation?
Like you, I’m grateful for those who have passed on principles and practices of biblical belief and behavior to me. Just like Elisha and Elijah, Naomi and Ruth, Paul and Timothy, Barnabas and Mark, you and I have been shaped by parents, pastors and elders with a rich heritage of faith and practice. These examples have helped mold us and define our behavior and beliefs.
Just a few weeks ago I attended the Memorial Celebration of one my mentors and friends, Dr. Glen Cole. Pastor Cole’s life, leadership and love made a huge impact on my life and influenced me to run the race set before me with faith and faithfulness. One of the highlights of ministry for Joy and I was the privilege we had to work alongside Pastor Glen and Mary Ann Cole for a few years before returning to Oregon in the late 1980’s. Those few years helped define and develop both of us for what we do today.
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Legacy
Sun, 03/04/2012 - 5:37pm
"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." Psalm 78:4 What are you passing on to the next generation? Like you, I’m grateful for those who have passed on principles and practices of biblical belief and behavior to me. Just like Elisha and Elijah, Naomi and Ruth, Paul and Timothy, Barnabas and Mark, you and I have been shaped by parents, pastors and elders with a rich heritage of faith and practice. These examples have helped mold us and define our behavior and beliefs. Just a few weeks ago I attended the Memorial Celebration of one my mentors and friends, Dr. Glen Cole. Pastor Cole’s life, leadership and love made a huge impact on my life and influenced me to run the race set before me with faith and faithfulness. One of the highlights of ministry for Joy and I was the privilege we had to work alongside Pastor Glen and Mary Ann Cole for a few years before returning to Oregon in the late 1980’s. Those few years helped define and develop both of us for what we do today. read more // comments (0)
Money! Money! Money!
Mon, 01/30/2012 - 1:50pm
That’s a word that will get your attention.
Recently one of our children called me to ask about money. Some parents would be anxious with such a call. However, they were not asking for money; instead, they wanted to talk about giving money. They had been asked to lead the offering portion of an upcoming service at their church and they wanted to discuss some of their thoughts in preparing for this important assignment. The call reminded me of the value and rewards of handling our money in a way that honors God. It reminded me of the phrase we repeat often in our home, "It pays to tithe."
The Year for Courage
Tue, 12/20/2011 - 10:50am
2012 will demand COURAGE! You and I will need strength to take advantage of the opportunities, face the challenges and tap into the God-given abilities He has given us to do something significant. Courage speaks of bravery, boldness, fearlessness, fortitude, valor and vigilance. It is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty and even intimidation. Courage is our theme word for us as a Network for 2012. I believe God is calling us to move forward in faith, take new territory and accomplish greater things. All this will take faith-based courage.
…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
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The Season of Opportunity
Mon, 12/05/2011 - 11:46am
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10.
This is the season of opportunity. A host of open doors will come your way this month. You will be given the opportunity to declare the love of God through sermons, devotionals, sharing, music, acts of service and one-on-one conversations. This month your community will look to you and your local assembly to help them understand and celebrate Christmas. People will anticipate singing Christmas carols, hearing the Christmas story and celebrating communion. It is a perfect time to let them know of the unforgettable gift that God has given them; so this month, go for it! It has been said, "If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." Amen! Amen! Declare without reservation or hesitation the true reason for the season. Seize your opportunity.
God Dreams
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 3:14pm
Then the LORD replied, "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." Habakkuk 2:2
In October, The Groves Church, pastored by Paul and Sunia Gibbs, celebrated their second year of ministry to Portland. The Groves is part of our Chi Alpha outreach to Portland State University (PSU) and the downtown area. They gather at University Place, which was the former Portland Red Lion Hotel, but is now part of the university campus. Not long ago, when I visited the church, I saw that attendance had grown to nearly 100, consisting mostly of young adults and university students.
At their second year celebration, the worship was exceptional, the buzz of fellowship was inspiring, and the message was excellent. It was one of those days you could say, "It has been good to be in the house of the Lord."
Two Ways We Are Increasing Our Influence
Mon, 10/03/2011 - 11:42am
One of the significant components of our mission as an Oregon Ministry Network is to "build healthy churches and ministries." This means we are working together to give our attention and energy to the planting and revitalization of churches. These are practical efforts that help us fulfill the Great Commission and increase our influence in Oregon.
1. Planting: Over the last 36 months the OMN has assisted in launching four new successful churches in Oregon. Each of these new churches has a unique story of how they began. Amazingly, the combined attendance of these church plants now averages over 700 people each week. The stories of lives being changed each week causes us to rejoice. Scores of people have been saved, healed and baptized. In addition, thousands of dollars have been given for missions from these new churches.
Influence Through Relationships
Mon, 08/29/2011 - 3:30pm
Those who are righteous will be long remembered. …They will have influence and honor. Psalm 112:6,9
God has positioned you be a positive influence, to make a difference, to inspire and motivate others to attempt and accomplish great things for Christ and His Church. This is what I believe God has called you and me to this year.
I was personally reminded of the power of influence through relationships during our recent General Council in Phoenix. During one of the evening celebrations in the US Airways Arena, I happened to find some seats next to a young couple. Upon greeting them, I realized I was sitting next to Rich Rogers and his wife. Rich was one of the young men who had attended our youth group back in the 70s. Today Rich leads a growing church in California, and here we were, after all these years, sitting next to each other. Who would have thought that Rich would become a lead pastor? Back in the 70s I didn’t see it. It was one of those serendipity moments that reminded me again how God uses us to influence others even when we don’t think anything is happening. It was in that church I first realized the importance of influence through relationships.
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